Consolidated container services are a game-changer for small and medium-sized fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) businesses. They use FMCG consolidated container services for smaller orders. Over time, however, they may need to consider switching to a FMCG full container service. 

Consolidated versus single supplier shipping.

Single supplier shipping can be prohibitively expensive for a FMCG business. A consolidated container service can help to save your business time and money. Using a consolidated container service enables you to co-load your products alongside products ordered from other suppliers. This is known as a consolidated load. An FMCG container consolidation service combines smaller loads from various FMCG manufacturers or suppliers. A single supplier load is not shared. A FCL container is filled with products from a single manufacturer or supplier.  

Benefits of an FMCG consolidated container service.

The benefits of an FMCG consolidated service include:

• A consolidated container service requires less financial outlay. FMCG business owners only order products in the quantities they need from manufacturers.
• FMCG business owners improve their customer service by supplying smaller quantities of fresh stock more frequently.
• FMCG business owners can introduce new products to their markets in small quantities. If customers do not like the products, the business owners are not left with a large quantity of stock that no-one wants.

Benefits of a single supplier shipping.

The benefits of an FMCG single supplier service include:

• FMCG business owners save on costs because the supply chain is shorter. A single supplier service has less handling and logistics.  
• There is less risk of damage. Typically, FMCG products in a full container are similar and should not damage each other. 
• There is less risk of a delay in packing the container. There is no need to wait for a number of FMCG suppliers to deliver the ordered items. Products from a single FMCG supplier are packed into the container straight away, and the ship can leave on time.

How can an FMCG consolidated container service develop into single supplier containers?

Reasons for using an FMCG single supplier container include: 

• Cost-effectiveness: A FMCG consolidated container service is unavoidably more expensive than a single supplier container. This escalation in costs is related to extra handling fees. The consolidated goods must be stored in a consolidation warehouse. A FMCG full container service that moves goods from a single manufacturer reduces costs throughout the supply chain.  

• New products take off: FMCG consolidated containers are often used to introduce new products to markets. If customers do not like the products, business owners are not left with a full container of goods that no-one wants. If, however, the new products are popular, FMCG business owners may want to use a single supplier, full container service. FMCG business owners may still use a consolidated container service for small quantities of other products. 

• Change in consumer behaviour: Conflicts, health crises, and production snags may significantly disrupt FMCG supply chains. This could increase demand for certain FMCG products. Business owners may then need to maximise the benefits of a single supplier full container service for FMCG imports.

IOEC is an award-winning, third-generation family-owned and run business. We are South Africa’s largest FMCG food and beverages exporter to non-neighbouring countries. We have five decades of experience and partner with FMCG businesses in over 50 countries. Contact us today for all your full container service and consolidated container service requirements.